Towson Alumni Association recognizes seven influential alumni

Gary Rubin ’69, vice president of university advancement for Towson University, will receive the 2014 Distinguished Alumni Award from the Alumni Association, an honor presented to an alumnus or alumna who exemplifies continued professional development, success in his or her field, and a commitment to Towson University. The award was established in 1958.

An administrator with more than 26 years of higher education experience, Rubin was chosen for his outstanding leadership in establishing the philanthropic culture at Towson University, for which he has personally raised funds for scholarships and grants with his vocalist performances.

The Alumni Association will also present the Deans’ Recognition Awards, annual tributes to TU alumni who have distinguished themselves through superior professional growth and accomplishment in their fields. One recipient is selected by the dean of each of the university’s colleges. Honorees represent commitment and excellence in a diversity of professional disciplines.

The following alumni will receive the Deans’ Recognition Awards for 2014:

Bradley Callahan ’90, president and CEO of several travel and vacation companies, will receive the award from the College of Liberal Arts. Callahan is very active in the community and has helped hundreds of thousands of people create memorable trips in destinations throughout the U.S. and beyond.

Tamara Jarrett ’91, senior vice president of CREW Solutions, will receive the award from the College of Health Professions. Prior to CREW, Jarrett led the development of a multimillion dollar Student Recreation Complex at LSU and the opening of the Charles J. Ping Student Recreation Center at Ohio University.

Liina Ladon ’76has directed the Chemistry Tutoring Center for the past 24 years, helping thousands of TU students overcome difficulties in the sciences with her classes, workshops, advising and help website. The Alumni Association board member will receive the award from the Jess and Mildred Fisher College of Science and Mathematics.

J. William Murray ’08/’11, a musician, longtime jazz enthusiast and the founder of a TU jazz artist residency endowment, will receive the award from the College of Fine Arts and Communications. Murray is also vice president of the TU Foundation and a USM Foundation board member.

Chuck Orlando ’82 is the executive vice president and COO of the New England market of Vanguard Health Systems, where he provides leadership in business development, supply chain management and information technology, among other responsibilities. Orlando will receive the award from the College of Business and Economics.

William Reuling ’64 provided Towson with 38 years of dedicated service, rising from assistant registrar to special assistant to the provost, and has been instrumental in developing Towson’s presence in Northeastern Maryland. He will receive the award from the College of Education.

Rubin and his six fellow alumni will be honored at an Alumni Association banquet on Thursday, May 8, 6 to 9 p.m. in the University Union Chesapeake Rooms.